West Indies pulled off a remarkable victory in the third and final ODI in New Chandigarh, successfully chasing down a massive 352-run target to claim a consolation win. Despite India posting a daunting 351/7, captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 162, guiding his team home with 10 balls to spare. This performance marks the highest-ever successful run chase in West Indies ODI history. Rahul smashed his highest ODI score to power India to 351/7 but Hope opened the innings despite keeping wickets for 50 overs and still managed to stay right until the end to finish unbeaten on 162 to guide his side to a consolation win with 10 balls to spare. Rohit switched gears with a six whereas Gaikwad was living a charmed life with the West Indies fielders repeatedly putting him down.
India’s innings got off to a disastrous start after they opted to bat first. Debutant Anshul Kamboj and the rest of the top order struggled as Jayden Seales removed both Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in the third over, leaving India reeling at 28/2 after 11 overs. However, Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad staged a significant recovery. Rohit, who narrowly missed a century, scored 92 before being dismissed, while Gaikwad provided steady support. KL Rahul then took center stage, anchoring the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 129. Supported by aggressive cameos from the tail, India surged past the 350-run mark in the final overs. Opting to bat after winning the toss in the dead rubber, India handed Anshul Kamboj a debut. Gill, who had already smashed a century and a double century in the series, edged a delivery down the leg side to fall for 1 and Kohli departed for a golden duck in the same over by Jayden Seales. The fact that they breached 350 from here was remarkable with Rohit kickstarting the recovery. Rohit looked well on course to bringing up another ODI century but he mistimed a pull to fall 8 short of three figures.
The West Indies chase began aggressively. John Campbell set the tone before falling to Mohammed Siraj, but Amir Jangoo and Shai Hope quickly stabilized the innings. Jangoo, who scored a composed 67, ensured the scoreboard kept moving, forming a century partnership that set a solid foundation. After Jangoo departed, Hope continued his masterclass, recording his 21st career century. Even as India claimed key wickets including Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, and Matthew Forde, Hope held firm.
With 81 runs required from the final 10 overs, Hope took calculated risks against the Indian attack, aided by favorable conditions caused by India’s slow over-rate penalty. He punished Gurnoor Brar and Kamboj in the closing stages, effectively sealing the match with consecutive boundaries. Despite injuries forcing Jewel Andrew out of the batting order, West Indies maintained their composure to complete the chase.
In the final scorecard, India finished at 351/7, with Jayden Seales taking 3-62. West Indies responded with 352/5 in 48.2 overs, led by Hope’s heroics and Jangoo’s crucial half-century, while Naman Dhir claimed 1-33 for the hosts.
